World meat industry news

In a significant development for Brazil’s poultry industry, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAPA) recently announced that Russia has greenlit five additional meat packing plants for the export of poultry meat. This decision follows a rigorous audit conducted in Brazil by the Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance of the Russian Federation (Rosselkhoznadzor), marking the culmination of inspections initiated as far back as 2015, with the latest concluded in December 2023.

Poultry meat exports from Brazil witnessed notable growth in 2023, with Japan emerging as the leading destination, importing 55.9 thousand tons in December alone – a substantial 53.9% increase compared to the same period in 2022. Following closely, China imported 50.3 thousand tons (up by 8.5%), while the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and South Africa also showed significant increases in imports.

Notably, Russia imported 43,600 tons of Brazilian poultry products between January and November 2023, marking a robust 44.2% increase from the previous year. This surge in exports generated revenues of US$81.2 million, highlighting the growing importance of the Russian market for Brazilian poultry products. As the 24th main destination for Brazilian exports, Russia’s significance is poised to expand further with the recent developments.

The agreement between Brazil and Russia was preceded by meticulous inspections conducted by a Russian delegation across various production units in six Brazilian states and the Federal District. These inspections encompassed cold storage plants, cattle and poultry farms, and official laboratories, ensuring compliance with stringent sanitary controls throughout the production chain. Consequently, temporary restrictions on certain production units in Brazil were lifted, paving the way for enhanced trade relations.

The qualification of new production units for export signifies an expansion in Brazil’s capacity, encompassing activities such as poultry slaughtering and deboning, production of poultry by-products and fats, and production of animal meal. Roberto Perosa, MAPA’s Secretary of Trade and International Relations, underscored the significance of this partnership, emphasizing Brazil’s commitment to upholding the highest standards of quality and food safety.

In 2023, Brazilian exports of beef and poultry to Russia amounted to US$306 million, constituting 24% of total shipments to the Russian market. This mutually beneficial trade relationship is poised for further growth, underlining Brazil’s position as a reliable supplier of high-quality poultry products on the global stage.